EDINGTON & Tinhead WI had many visitors including three new members in September when local resident Gordon Brockman, auctioneer and valuer from Chippenham and Berkshire Auction Rooms, gave a very entertaining and salutary insight into auctions and our need to be on our guard when looking for collectible items.

Gordon had learnt his trade over many years. He told stories of visiting people’s homes where they had no idea of the value of some of their valuables. The expression he used was “While I’m here, that’s what I’m here for.. I’ll take a look…”

At the moment Art Deco and costume jewellery are collectable.

Gordon recommended that as a first port of call we don’t use house clearance people or those who advertise to buy gold and silver.

He challenged us to put items he had brought into a valuation order, after describing them in great detail.

There was much discussion but in the end only two items were genuine, the rest were fakes. This proved that it was worth checking out an item you might have been going to buy before bidding for it.

During the business part of the evening, Jan Billinge agreed to represent our group of WIs at the National Annual Meeting in Liverpool in June 2017.

A survey was shared to canvas people’s views on speakers for 2017/18.

As part of the WI nationwide sport’s week, the Walking Rounders tournament held at Erlestoke cricket ground was a great success. We played against Bratton and Five Lane Ends WIs. Bratton won, the competitive spirit was high and all enjoyed the event.

One member had been to look at the Stone Curlews project, and two had had instruction from the Institute of Advanced Motorists about driving.

We are collecting old bras for a third world project.

Members are looking forward to a fun skittles night with friends/partners on Friday (September 30) in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind, and to the Weavers group meeting in October which will see Mike Rowe talking about his passion for all things French including a wine tasting.

You will be made most welcome to our next meeting on October 11 at 7.30pm when Sarah Buttenshaw will talk about Burma, the land and its people.